How to Become A Genetic Engineer In South Africa

Genetic engineers alter, splice, eliminate, and rearrange genes in order to modify an organism or groups of organisms.

What is the minimum salary of a genetic engineer?

Salary Range Provided in Genetic Engineering field :

For research associate, it ranges from 3.5 lakh to 5 lakh per year. Junior scientists vary from 6-9 lakh per annum. Whereas for a senior scientist, it varies between 15-16 lakh per annum in private companies.

Which engineering job is easy?

Apart from the above mentioned ones, the core branches namely- Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering also offer good job opportunities! Chemical Engineering, though not considered to be a part of core branch, is also good, when it comes to job scope. Ultimately, it all depends on your passion too.

What are the 6 types of engineers?

Today, there are now six major branches of engineering: mechanical, chemical, civil, electrical, management and geotechnical, and hundreds of different subcategories of engineering under each branch.

Is engineering hard to study?

Engineering is the blended application of science and maths to design and build machines and structures. It is considered one of the toughest fields in education and when you dive deep into the multiple engineering branches, the difficulty only increases. However, it is tough, but not impossible!

Career Requirements

Degree LevelBachelor’s or master’s degree for entry-level careers; doctoral degree for independent research careers
Degree Field(s)Biochemistry, biophysics, or related fields
Key SkillsStrong understanding of scientific methods and rules, complex problem solving and critical thinking; ability to use computer aided design (CAD), graphics or photo imaging, PERL, Python, analytical, and word processing software programs; ability to use lasers, spectrometers, light scattering equipment, binocular light compound microscopes, bench top centrifuges, or similar laboratory equipment; excellent mathematical, deductive and inductive reasoning, reading, writing, and oral comprehension skills
Median Salary (May 2018)$88,550 (for all biomedical engineers)

Below are steps to Become A Genetic Engineer In South Africa

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

A genetic engineer starts by earning a bachelor’s degree, typically in a branch of the physical sciences, such as biology or chemistry. Some schools offer undergraduate programs in genetic engineering or in closely-related fields such as biological engineering. Curricula typically include rigorous courses in calculus, biology, chemistry and physics.

Step 2: Earn an Advanced Degree

A bachelor’s degree may be sufficient educational preparation for some entry-level careers in genetic engineering. However, many employers only hire candidates with advanced degrees (master’s or Ph.D.).

Advanced degree programs allow aspiring genetic engineers to gain valuable experience through laboratory-based research. To carry out genetic engineering research independently, one should expect to earn a doctoral degree, and to advance in a genetic engineering field, one usually needs a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.

Step 3: Gain Work Experience

Genetic engineering is a broad field. Engineers can specialize in agriculture, healthcare and other specialties. They may work as molecular biologists, breast cancer researchers, forensic scientists and genetic counselors, among other positions.

These careers can be found at universities, healthcare organizations, research and development firms, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and government agencies.

Step 4: Join a Professional Organization

Aspiring genetic engineers seeking to advance their careers may consider joining a professional membership organization, such as the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), which offers its members access to continuing education, professional training, networking opportunities, industry-related events and other resources for professional growth and career advancement.

How long does it take to become a geneticist in South Africa?

The Medical Genetics MMed programme is a four-year, full-time professional Masters degree (NQF level 9).

Are genetic engineers in demand in South Africa ?

The BLS has reported that biomedical engineers can expect to see a 23% growth in demand for years which is one of the fasted rates. According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Genetic Engineering was R 1042803.77 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources.

Which university offers Genetic Engineering in South Africa?

Genetics and Developmental Biology – Wits University

How much is the salary of a genetic engineer in South Africa ?

Genetic Engineering Salary

Annual SalaryHourly Wage
Top EarnersR 2161173.03R 1042.80
75th PercentileR 1632214.60R 785.88
AverageR 1285641.03R 619.64
25th PercentileR 755654.91R 362.71

How long does it take to get a genetic engineering degree in South Africa ?

Research jobs require a doctoral degree, which takes three to four years to obtain after earning a bachelor’s degree. Some genetic engineers hold both doctoral and doctor of medicine degrees; depending on your prior education, earning these two degrees takes two to eight years each.

How do I become a medical geneticist in South Africa?

Medical Genetics The Master of Medicine in the field of Medical Genetics is a four year, full time degree. Registrars are required to write a Part 1 and Part 2 examination, both offered through the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa in order to obtain a Fellowship in Medical Genetics.

Is genetic engineering difficult?

Genetic manipulation of non-model microorganisms is still challenging due to organism-specific nuances that hinder universal molecular genetic tools and translatable knowledge of intracellular biochemical pathways and regulatory mechanisms.

Which engineering job is easy in South Africa ?

Apart from the above mentioned ones, the core branches namely- Electrical, Mechanical and Civil Engineering also offer good job opportunities! Chemical Engineering, though not considered to be a part of core branch, is also good, when it comes to job scope. Ultimately, it all depends on your passion too.

What subjects are needed to study genetics?

Studying genetics at university

Principles of human disease.

Research techniques.

Genetic manipulation.

Genes and development.

Eukaryotic gene expression.

Plants for the future.

Genetic toxicology.

Cell and molecular biosciences.

Which engineering is easy to study in South Africa ?

If we talk about generally , CSE subjects are easier for someone who knows coding and has a lot of practice in coding , chemical engineering is easier for someone who like chemical reactions equations , etc.